Giorgio Armani’s creative legacy remained at the center of attention in Milan as his fashion house presented a new runway collection at its historic headquarters, followed by a relaxed garden dinner attended by celebrities and industry figures.
As the Giorgio Armani Foundation continues efforts to find a buyer for a 15% stake in the company, as directed in the late designer’s will, each runway show is now seen as a test of how successfully his design philosophy can endure and evolve under the stewardship of his heirs and longtime collaborators.
“We tried to continue the message that he wanted to convey,” said Silvana Armani, Armani’s niece and head of womenswear design, speaking to reporters after the co-ed show that closed Milan Fashion Week on Monday evening.
The latest Giorgio Armani menswear collection for next summer, combined with womenswear cruise pieces, reflected the brand’s signature relaxed elegance. Models moved with casual ease, reinforcing the house’s long-standing emphasis on understated style.
One model was seen idly turning a ring while walking toward photographers, while another casually carried a jacket over his shoulder, highlighting the effortless mood of the presentation.
Silvana Armani and menswear designer Leo Dell’Orco introduced subtle adjustments to the familiar Armani silhouette, including slightly longer jackets and slimmer trousers, creating a refined balance in proportion.
Longtime observers noted that the roughly 160 looks presented conveyed the impression of real people dressed for everyday life rather than conventional runway models.
“When the models came for their fittings, they were always a bit taken aback,” Dell’Orco said. “It felt as though they could easily just walk out onto the street.”
The collection drew inspiration from a Mediterranean summer mood, featuring safari jackets, lightweight blazers, shawl-collar vests, and fluid tailoring. A palette of sun-faded greens, cobalt blues, and sandy neutrals reinforced the seasonal theme, while fabrics such as linen, cotton, and textured knits emphasized comfort and ease.
The womenswear cruise pieces, the first led by Silvana Armani, were integrated into the show with dresses, coats, and jackets designed to drape naturally over the body.
“I think he would have applauded,” Dell’Orco said.
The front row included actors Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mark Strong, Lucy Boynton, and singer Conan Gray. Following the show, guests including filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino and former Gucci CEO and Armani board member Marco Bizzarri joined a casual garden cocktail gathering at the venue.
Under Armani’s will, his heirs are required to sell a 15% stake in the company—covering labels such as Emporio Armani, Armani/Casa, and Armani Hotels—within 18 months of his death last September.
For now, Silvana Armani and Dell’Orco, both longtime collaborators of the designer, are leading the creative direction of the house while overseeing its continuity.
Dell’Orco, who also serves as chairman of the Armani Foundation and holds a significant voting stake in the company, dismissed reports linking former Versace executive Dario Vitale to Emporio Armani, calling them “not true,” according to ANSA.